What to know when moving to Poplar Bluff, MO
Poplar Bluff at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 37.6% of residents are renters and the median household income is $49,979.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable housing with a median gross rent of $785.
- The Reality Check:
- Nearly 20% of the population lives in poverty.
- Commute:
- Only 0.4% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 30.1 inches of rain annually, with 59 rainy days.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Poplar Bluff has a population of 34,920, with 16.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The housing market features a median owner-occupied home value of $143,200, which may attract those looking for affordable options. However, with only 0.4% utilizing public transit, car ownership is essential for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for extensive public transport options or a highly educated population, as the poverty rate stands at 19.9%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $785, making it budget-friendly compared to many areas.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $143,200, indicating a reasonable housing market.
- With a 19.9% poverty rate, economic challenges exist alongside affordable living.
- 37.6% of residents are renters, showing a mix of ownership and rental options.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Missouri, property crime rates are higher than the national average, but there has been a significant decrease recently. The state annual rate for property crime is 1,682.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 8.8% higher than the national rate. Violent crime is also notably elevated at 422.6 per 100,000, 29.9% above the national average.
- Violent crime: 422.6 per 100k vs. 325.3 national, down 15.6% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,682.4 per 100k vs. 1,546.9 national, down 30.4% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 31.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Missouri).
Schools & Higher Ed
Poplar Bluff has access to two postsecondary institutions:
- Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center
- Three Rivers College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Butler County experiences a moderate climate with an average annual high of 75°F and about 30.1 inches of precipitation each year. Rain is most common in the spring, with 13.7 inches falling across 22 days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Camelot RV Campground/RV Park - 4.3 stars (335 reviews)
- Kiwanis Bacon Park - 4.2 stars (309 reviews)
- McLane Park - 4.6 stars (250 reviews)
- Ferguson Grove Park - 4.3 stars (168 reviews)
- Brick's Off Road Park - 4.5 stars (143 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.